Dr. Joan Pendergast
Chair, Department of Social Work and Title IX Coordinator
When Dr. Pendergast was finishing her Ph.D. in Social Work Education at the University of South Carolina, she dreamed of teaching at a school like Concord. “I have wanted to live in the mountains for as long as I can remember,” she says. In 2007, she accepted a tenure-track position at CU and has found a home here. “The campus community is welcoming and accepting,” she says. Before completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Pendergast was a practicing social worker, valuable experience she shares with her students. “When I speak with students about social work, I explain that this is the best job and worst job you can have,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see how people can change their lives, and it can be discouraging when these changes do not come.” Dr. Pendergast is dedicated to preparing her students for the realities they’ll face after graduation, and says she enjoys “being a small part of their journey.”
Faculty
Adam Cook '18
Bradley, WV
From a young age Adam was always fascinated by the science of the human body. For as long as he can remember he wanted to pursue some sort of career in medicine. It was during his senior of high school at Greater Beckley Christian, that he went on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic which in result allowed him to focus on pursuing medical school. However, to make it to medical school, Adam knew he needed a firm undergraduate education for his foundation. He loved the class sizes at Concord University as well as the proximity to his hometown of Bradley, WV. Adam was aware of Concord’s excellent reputation for pre-requisite classes for medical school and four years later, he earned his Bachelor of Science and graduated Cum Laude. Adam is now in medical school pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. Adam was aware of Concord’s excellent reputation for pre-requisite classes for medical school. It Starts With You.
“To be able to make it to medical school, I knew I would need a firm undergraduate education for my foundation.”
Alumni
Shawn Hatcher
Princeton, W.Va.
Shawn is a second generation Mountain Lion, but that is only one detail that finalized his decision to choose CU after graduating from Pikeview High School in 2017. The university also had the program of study he wanted, and its location meant Shawn could commute to save money. He is a Business Administration major with concentrations in management and finance. When Shawn isn’t in class, you’ll find him working in the business office as a work-study in the Accounts Payable office. Shawn says the real life experiences that professors share and the work experience he has received at Concord has prepared him for the kind of job he wants when he graduates, one similar to the job he currently does at CU. Education aside, Shawn says his favorite part about Concord is the people. “It felt like home from the time I stepped on the campus in 2017,” Shawn says. “Most of everyone is relaxed and will help out if you are in need.”
Student